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Saturday, October 22, 2016

March Totems: Birch

In our tradition we divide the year not only by eight solar and
agricultural holidays, but also by the Kalends. We celebrate twelve
months of the year by the common calendar, plus a special thirteenth
month for Samhain. These month cycles are associated with different
totemic spirits. Each month is assigned an animal, a bird (or other
flying creature), and a tree. March's totems are Hare, Birch, and Goose.

The
Birch Tree is the first tree of the New Year according to Robert
Grave's Celtic tree calendar. It has a straight white colored trunk and
branches, and its leaves are bright green. Birch Trees represent the
Otherworld. This tree is the first to bud and is considered a sign that
spring is just around the corner. The Birch is considered a protective
wood for women, as it is associated with safe childbirth and protection
from the Underworld.

The Birch is the symbol of new
beginnings, the start of new plans and taking significant steps in a
forward direction. It is the wood most commonly used to kindle the
magical fire. The Maypole is frequently made of Birch, with pagans in
Wales preferring to use living, standing Birch Trees for their Maypoles.
Birch is the wood burned for the Beltaine fire. It is also the wood
used for correction or punishment. Until recently, canes and rods made
of Birch were the instrument of choice for schoolmasters and law
enforcement officials in the British Isles.

Birch
indicates fortune, change and good luck. The element associated with the
Birch is water. Its gender association is female.